A former Oakland Raiderette says she faced gender-based harassment and ostracism when she became a Vacaville police officer.

Nicole Rosenstiel said in court papers that her past as a cheerleader has led to several officers in the department creating what she called a hostile work environment in her lawsuit.

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Rosenstiel worked for the NFL teams cheer organization from 1997 to 1998. It wasnt until 2004 that she joined the Vacaville Police Department, finishing her training in 2005.

In court papers obtained by KCRA, Rosenstiel claims that she was told not to work out in the departments gym because she would call attention to herself because of her appearance. The lawsuit goes on to allege that a sergeant in the department asked for a show of hands by those officers who wanted to see the Plaintiff [Rosenstiel] naked.

"Every time I went up the ladder of the chain of command to try to get these issues resolved, it just got worse for me," Rosenstiel said.

Rosenstiel claims that when she complained about her treatment to supervisors, it culminated in ... physical injury by her supervisor. The lawsuit alleges the injuries she sustained during that training caused her to go on light duty from March of 2007 through July of 2008.

After her return to duty she claims members of the department continued harassing her and that her request for an investigation by the departments Internal Affairs division resulted in more retaliation.

Rosenstiel said the department accused her of fraudulently seeking medical retirement for a work-related injury as retaliation. She said those accusations led to criminal charges which were dismissed in March.

"I knew what they were doing. They were doing it to intimidate and scare me," Rosenstiel said.

A representative for the city of Vacaville said they have not yet been served with Rosenstiels lawsuit, but have seen the complaint.

Mark Mazzaferro, the citys Public Information Officer, said they believe the complaint is without merit. Mazzaferro said that Rosenstiel is still employed as a Vacaville police officer, but is on administrative leave.

As for the lawsuit, he said we intend to litigate this vigorously.

"Over time, the truth will come out, and the fact they said there is no merit, to me, that is just hogwash," Rosenstiel's attorney John Burris said.

Rosenstiel is asking for damages in the amount of $1.5 million. She said she also hopes for departmental changes.

The first status conference in the case is scheduled to be held in January 2012.